Russ Andrews is introducing the new Kimber KS Phono tone arm cable to the UK, to bring the very best performance, dynamics and low-noise to high-end turntable-based systems. Re-engineered from the ground up, the three model KS Phono range replaces the previous KS-1216 and KS-1236 cables. They mark the culmination of Kimber’s research into the design of cables that carry the most delicate signals and which are inherently susceptible to both electrical and mechanically transmitted noise.
‘KS’ denotes ‘Kimber Select’ and, reflecting the conventions of other Select lines in the Kimber catalogue, the the KS Phono comes in copper (CU), hybrid copper-silver (HB) and pure silver (AG) variants. Each cable shares a construction methodology based around four 24AWG signal conductors that are insulated with dye-free air articulated PTFE, to ensure minimal capacitance and dielectric losses and maximum signal integrity. The CU version uses copper for the four conductors, while the HB and AG models are made using pure silver.
Innovative shielding, to ensure the signal remains pure and hum-free, surrounds the four conductors and is manufactured using a 44AWG, heavy (8%) silver-plated copper shield. Although Kimber normally specify pure silver, in this application copper has the advantage that it can be drawn to finer diameters, which gives a greater shield coverage of 95% while retaining cable flexibility. This design is common to all three variants of the KS Phono.
The grounding of the CU and HB cables is further enhanced through the use of eight 24AWG pure copper braided conductors, which are bonded to the shield with pure silver foil and silver solder. They are terminated in spade connectors to facilitate attachment to the turntable and accompanying electronics’ grounding terminals. The KS Phono-AG grounding cables are manufactured using eight 24AWG pure silver conductors.
The new cables are hand built at the Kimber factory in Utah, USA, and are finished with hardwood accents in purple heart, bloodwood and ebony. The Kimber KS Phono range can be supplied with phono plugs at both ends – WBT 0102Cu for the KS Phono-CU and WBT 0102Ag for the hybrid and silver cables – or a combination of phono plugs and the traditional straight DIN or 90-degree SME plug for the turntable end.
Prices for 0.75m cables
KS Phono-CU with WBT 0102Cu phonos both ends £2400
KS Phono-CU with WBT 0102Cu phonos and DIN plug £2400
KS Phono-CU with WBT 0102Cu phonos and SME plug £2650
KS Phono-HB with WBT 0102Ag phonos both ends £5300
KS Phono-HB with WBT 0102Ag phonos and DIN plug £5300
KS Phono-HB with WBT 0102Ag phonos and SME plug £5550
KS Phono-AG with WBT 0102Ag phonos both ends £7400
KS Phono-AG with WBT 0102Ag phonos and DIN plug £7400
KS Phono-AG with WBT 0102Ag phonos and SME plug £7650